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| '''Apollonius Taos''' was a governor of ] under the ] during the 2nd century BCE. He is primarily known for his defection to ] and his subsequent military confrontation with ] | |||
| == Background == | == Background == | ||
Revision as of 06:04, 12 January 2025
| Apollonius Taos | |
|---|---|
| Era | 2nd century BCE |
| Known for | Governor of Coele-Syria under the Seleucid Empire; defection to Demetrius II Nicator; military conflict with Jonathan Maccabeus |
Apollonius Taos was a governor of Coele-Syria under the Seleucid Empire during the 2nd century BCE. He is primarily known for his defection to Demetrius II Nicator and his subsequent military confrontation with Jonathan Apphus
Background
Apollonius served as governor under Alexander Balas, who ruled the Seleucid Empire from 150 to 145 BCE. During this period, the empire faced internal strife and external threats, leading to shifting allegiances among its officials.
Defection to Demetrius II
In 147 BCE, while Alexander Balas was addressing northern invasions, Apollonius Taos defected to Demetrius II Nicator. This defection was supported by the Hellenized Philistine cities, which aligned with Apollonius against Alexander. Apollonius challenged Jonathan Maccabeus, a Jewish leader and ally of Alexander, to battle, suggesting that the Jews might leave the mountains and venture into the plain.
Conflict with Jonathan Maccabeus
In response, Jonathan and his brother Simon led a force of 10,000 men against Apollonius's forces stationed in Jaffa. The city, unprepared for an attack, opened its gates to them out of fear. Apollonius then received reinforcements from Azotus and confronted Jonathan with 3,000 men, relying on his superior cavalry. Despite being outnumbered, Jonathan's forces successfully resisted and ultimately defeated Apollonius's army. Jonathan pursued the fleeing forces to Azotus, capturing and burning the city along with the temple of Dagon. In reward for his victory, Alexander Balas granted Jonathan the city of Ekron with its surrounding territory.
Legacy
The defeat of Apollonius Taos by Jonathan Maccabeus marked a significant milestone in the Hasmonean revolt. Jonathan's successes weakened Seleucid influence in the region and strengthened the autonomy of the Hasmonean state. Despite his military failure, Apollonius remains a notable figure in the history of the Seleucid Empire's attempts to retain control over Coele-Syria.
References
- 1 Maccabees 10:69–89.